Internet service providers: AT&T Fiber Internet 5000 vs. Google Fiber

Quick Verdict

Google Fiber presents a more affordable entry point with faster potential speeds and lower latency, but suffers from poor customer service reviews. AT&T Fiber Internet 5000, while more expensive, offers better customer satisfaction and reliable performance. The best choice depends on individual priorities regarding price, speed, customer support, and availability.

Google Fiber offers a range of plans starting at a lower price point ($70/month) compared to AT&T Fiber Internet 5000 ($245/month).
Google Fiber boasts faster maximum download and upload speeds (up to 8,000 Mbps, with some areas reaching 20 Gig) compared to AT&T Fiber Internet 5000 (up to 5000 Mbps).
AT&T Fiber Internet 5000 has better customer service ratings compared to Google Fiber, which receives mixed to negative reviews.
Both providers offer symmetrical upload and download speeds, no data caps, and no contracts.
Google Fiber generally has lower latency (13 milliseconds) compared to AT&T Fiber Internet 5000 (24 milliseconds), making it potentially better for gaming.
Both services have limited availability, but AT&T Fiber is available to a slightly larger percentage of the US population.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	AT&T Fiber Internet 5000	Google Fiber
Download Speed (Maximum)	Up to 5000 Mbps (5 Gbps). Actual speeds may vary. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps.	Up to 8,000 Mbps (8 Gig) in select areas, with some areas reaching 20 Gig.
Upload Speed (Maximum)	Up to 5000 Mbps (5 Gbps). Symmetrical upload and download speeds.	Symmetrical, matching the download speed, up to 8,000 Mbps (8 Gig).
Price per Month	$245. Prices may vary by location.	Starting at $70/month for the 1 Gig plan, $100/month for the 3 Gig plan, $150/month for the 8 Gig plan.
Contract Length	No term contract.	No contracts required.
Data Caps	No data caps.	No data caps; all plans come with unlimited data.
Installation Fees	Professional installation may be free for faster internet packages; otherwise, a fee of up to $99 may apply. A professional technician installation costs $99.	Free professional installation is typically included.
Equipment Fees (Router/Modem)	No equipment fees; a Wi-Fi modem/gateway is included.	No equipment fees; a router is included.
Availability	Available in select metros across 21 states. Fiber is available to only about 40% of the US population.	Available in select cities within 19 states. Expansion is planned for Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Customer Service Rating	AT&T scored well on customer satisfaction surveys, with customers praising the provider's speed, reliability, and customer service.	Mixed reviews. Trustpilot: 2.5/5, PissedConsumer.com: 2.1/5, ConsumerAffairs.com: 1.2/5, Customer Service Scoreboard: "Terrible"
Bundling Options (TV, Phone)	Bundling with AT&T Wireless and home phone services is possible. A $20/month discount on all fiber plans is offered if you have a postpaid unlimited plan.	Phone service can be added for an additional $10/month. Bundling with TV is also an option.
Technology (Fiber Optic, etc.)	Fiber Optic.	Fiber Optic
Latency/Ping (Gaming)	The blazing fast, 5 Gig internet speeds of AT&T Fiber 5000 plan come with a low latency of 24 milliseconds.	Typically around 13 milliseconds.

Overall Comparison

Google Fiber: Starting at $70/month for 1 Gig, Up to 8,000 Mbps, 13ms Latency. AT&T Fiber Internet 5000: $245/month, Up to 5000 Mbps, 24ms Latency.

Pros and Cons

AT&T Fiber Internet 5000

Pros:

Symmetrical upload and download speeds
No data caps
No equipment fees; a Wi-Fi modem/gateway is included
Bundling options available
Low latency of 24 milliseconds

Cons:

Availability limited to select metros across 21 states
Installation fees may apply

Google Fiber

Pros:

High download and upload speeds
No data caps
No contracts
Free professional installation
Free router included
Generally reliable connection, even during peak hours
Low latency/ping, suitable for gaming
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Cons:

Customer service receives mixed to negative reviews
Availability limited to select cities
Some users report slower speeds than advertised, especially during peak hours
Potential issues with installation process reported by some customers
Local access fee might be present on the bill depending on the area
Some users have reported experiencing outages

User Experiences and Feedback

AT&T Fiber Internet 5000

What Users Love

Reliable, fast speeds
Super-fast speeds, even at peak times
Reliable customer service
No price increase at 12 months and no annual contract
Ideal for streaming, gaming, and connecting multiple devices simultaneously
99% reliability uptime on their Fiber services

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

Google Fiber

What Users Love

Consistent speeds that meet or exceed advertised rates reported by many users
Fiber connections are generally more reliable than cable
Many users report significantly faster and more reliable service compared to previous providers
High speeds and low latency make it well-suited for supporting multiple devices streaming simultaneously

Common Complaints

Some users have experienced slower speeds than advertised, particularly during peak hours
Customer service experiences vary, with some reporting long wait times and unhelpful responses
Some customers have reported issues with the installation process, including property damage and delays
Some users have reported experiencing outages

Value Perception

Google Fiber includes free Wi-Fi equipment with its plans
Bundling with TV and Phone are options, but discounts are limited
Google Fiber is known for its transparent pricing with no hidden fees, although a local access fee might be present on the bill depending on the area

User Recommendations

Some users report consistent speeds that meet or exceed advertised rates.
Fiber connections are generally more reliable than cable, with less susceptibility to slowdowns during peak hours.
Many users report that Google Fiber is significantly faster and more reliable than previous cable or DSL providers.